Systems and methods for demand response payment options

Abstract

Systems and methods for demand response transit systems using periodic passes as optional payment for transit services. Booking transit services may include determining if the passenger has a periodic pass and whether such periodic pass can be used to fully or partially pay for such booking. Historical costs and use of periodic passes, having certain characteristics, can further be used to set future prices of such periodic passes.

Description

COPYRIGHT NOTICE[0001]A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.BACKGROUND[0002]Transit agencies typically have fixed route operations (where vehicles traverse a known route at a known frequency) and demand response operations (where vehicles have a non-repeating schedule for a given day).[0003]Demand response transit systems have proven to be logistically difficult for receiving payments from riders, while remaining convenient for such riders. Historically, demand response riders have paid for their rides when they are picked up (using cash or some form of charge generally). More recently some agencies and service providers have allowed riders to keep accounts wi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a method for demand response periodic pass based transit use and pricing. The technical effects of this patent include a system for creating and managing demand response periodic pass bookings, allowing users to access transit with a reduced fare cost. The system also includes a pricing algorithm that considers the cost of bookings using comparable periodic passes, as well as adjusting the price based on funding sources available to the user. The characteristics of the periodic pass, such as the age of the user and their funding sources, are also considered when determining the price of the pass. Overall, this patent provides a way for users to access transit more easily and at a reduced cost through a demand response program.

Problems solved by technology

Demand response transit systems have proven to be logistically difficult for receiving payments from riders, while remaining convenient for such riders.

While these developments improve convenience, they still require extra interactions by riders and oversight of accounts, credit card details, and the like.

Images